Other Changes to the Electricity and Gas Acts
Safety Management Systems
The Electricity Amendment Act and the Gas Amendment Act introduce the added safety net that requires Safety Management Systems to be developed for electricity distribution systems, for large electricity generating plant and for gas distribution systems. Regulations will set out precisely who will need to have in place a safety management system.
The inclusion of safety management systems provides a framework for the owners of these systems to take responsibility for developing their own safety regimes. This approach acknowledges modern risk management concepts.
New Offences
The amendments provide for new offences, including offences in respect of a person intentionally or negligently creating a risk of serious harm or significant property damage, and offences in respect of breaches of the occupational licence conditions.
Penalties for serious harm to a person or serious property damage have been increased to reflect similar penalties in the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
Accident Notification and Investigation
The Electricity Act, Gas Act and Health and Safety in Employment Act require certain accidents to be notified.
The new legislation allows for notification to either of the administering agencies, Energy Safety Service and Department of Labour, as fulfilment of that obligation. This means that from 5 December 2006 industry no longer has to notify an accident to both agencies.
Back to Top